Elder Caius: Elder Caius

It wasn’t easy squeezing this one in on short notice, but here we are with Elder Caius, the self-titled debut from Newfoundland’s psychedelic prog duo. Fronted by Evan Watton on guitar and programming, and Nathan Cluett on bass and programming, with some piano contributions from Katie Watton, this album does not tie itself down to genre rules, and that is part of its charm.

From the dreamy and otherworldly piano of "Curious Entities", you are dropped into a soundtrack that feels half post-rock, half space odyssey. Then "All the Way Down Now" comes in with a heavy, cinematic groove that pulls from prog, psychedelia and even a touch of metal. It is moody, purposeful and strangely cathartic.

"Obelisk" and "Dead Letter Queue" let silence work as part of the music, slowly building into heavier sections and pulling you deeper into their swirling textures. "Lights Out, Mr. Monkey Wrench" is the album at its most adventurous, throwing different flavors together into fuzzed-out psychedelic chaos, and somehow it all clicks.

The closing track "Aeropsia" is a relentless piece that pounds away with rhythm and guitar until it fades into something more introspective, leaving a mark well after the album ends. This is not really my cup of tea when it comes to instrumental music, but I can definitely appreciate the skill and imagination on display. It is an album that has its own audience, and for those listeners who enjoy strange soundscapes, experimental detours and atmospheric twists, Elder Caius will offer plenty to discover.

At over seventy minutes, it can feel a bit overwhelming, but when the guitars rise to the front, they hit with power and remind me why this kind of music has its place. It may not be flawless, but it is ambitious, immersive, and unapologetically different. Cheers…

Track Listing:
1. Curious Entities (3:21)
2. All The Way Down Now (3:52)
3. Obelisk (3:58)
4. Dead Letter Queue (5:09)
5. Tomb of the Unknown King (4:28)
6. Anomaly (4:28)
7. Lights Out, Mr. Monkey Wrench! (3:30)
8. Splatter Phoenix (3:50)
9. Werewolves (1:23)
10. Aeropsia (5:12)

Added: September 7th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 158
Language: english

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